The latest
offering from one of Quake's most prolific
authors...
A fresh new theme this time around for
the latest Alkado offering, with a range
of icy, snow-tipped and wintery textures,
from various sources such as Daikatana and
Hexen II. These give the map a somewhat
unique look and set it apart from the author's
other levels with similar architecture and
layout. As you would expect from [Kona],
the map is, for the best part, based around
two floors, and interconnected heavily around
obscure and blocky designs, complete with
natural rocky terrain. The end combat is
cast off from the rest of the level in a
different BSP, but features some of the
most visually appealing architecture, with
a small cliffside keep overlooking a deep
chasm, surrounded by a snow-carpeted ground.
Although textures are often varied, the
winter ambient is well exectued, and apparent
throughout the level.
The level is predominently action-based,
with monsters often attacking in groups,
with little rest in-between. Hipnotic's
nifty little gremlins are included, but
their placement could have done with a little
more thought, as they rarely prove a threat.
Other adjustments to the Quake setup include
the reskinning all of monsters (to fit with
the snow theme) and a new nailgun sound
(no explanation). The skins are passable,
but have a problem with fullbrights, for
those who use engines which enable them.
Software mode or recent fullbright-enabling
GL-based engines are not recommended to
play this level.
Monsters by the bucketload are balanced
nicely by plentiful ammo supplies, so difficulty
never gets out of hand, but rather increases
modestly throughout the map, making the
arena-style end-combat seem more rewarding
and satisfying. However, when given the
map's bleak atmosphere, a more subtle approach
to gameplay than [Kona]'s favoured 'in-your-face'
scheme might have been more effective.
Original, atmospheric and well executed
theme, along with relentless action, make
this level worth downloading and adding
to your collection.
Build Quality = 81%
Playability = 86%
Layout and connectivity = 77%
Weapons and Ammo = 80%
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